179 



a limestone district, with a moderate supply of moisture. In a stiff 

 clay, or where there is a clay bottom, it seldom thrives, and generally 

 dies as soon as the root has penetrated to a certain depth. It is found 

 to be unproductive in a wet climate, from the flowers, although pro- 

 duce! in abundance, dropping off without forming the fruit. It is 

 grown from seed planted between the months of November and April. 

 The land is prepared by cleaning it of weeds, and digging holes about 

 18 inches deep, and 12 inches wide, at a sufficient distance to allow 

 the plant free space to spread. About 12 seeds are planted in each 

 hole, and covered lightly with soil. Should the seasons be favourable, 

 they will show above ground in seven or eight days. The young 

 plants are to be carefully kept free of weeds, and repeatedly thinned, 

 till one, or in some cases two, of the healthiest and strongest is left. 

 Very little pruning is required. It is of the greatest importance 

 throughout the whole course of the cultivation, to keep down the 

 growth of weeds. This is the surest method of preserving the planta- 

 tion in health, and free from the attacks of insects. It has also b?en 

 confidently stated, that the same intention would be produced by 

 planting Guinea-grass through the field, as it would not only keep 

 down every description of weed, but also drive off the numerous in- 

 sect enemies, which too often disappoint all the hopes of the planter. 



The cotton seldom comes into full beat ing before the second yoar ; 

 and it continues productive for four or five years. It blossoms and 

 fruits during the greater part of the year: but the principal bearing 

 is between August and December. In the East the whole pod is 

 gathered : but it is considered an improvement, to leave the capsules 

 on the trees, and to withdraw from it the cotton with the seeds, which 

 readily comes away. The capsules open when they are ripe ; and as 

 they come to maturity in succession, the field must be frequently gone 

 through. It is of importance to gather the cotton in dry weather ; 

 and it is necessary, after it is collected, to expose it to the sun, so as 

 to free it from any damp. A machine, called a gin, is employed to 

 separate it from the seeds. With one of these, on the present im- 

 proved principle.^ man is capable of cleaning 3001bs. of cotton in a 

 day. 



It is very probable that cotton may yet again come to be an article 

 of export from this island. The cultivation of it is well adapted for 

 small settlers ; as it requires very little attention or labour, and the 

 crop comes in gradually, so as to be easily collected. There is no 

 doubt, but that it might be conducted more advantageously here, than 

 in the Southern States of America, as we have not a winter to contend 

 with, and our climate and soil is completely suitable, from the plant 

 being indigenous. 



III.— By Richard Hill 



Extract from letter in " Transactions of the Society of Arts of Ja- 

 maica," dated 11th July, 1857. 



The unsatisfactory issue of the attempt to revive Ootton cultivation 

 here some twelve years back, was considerably owing to the supposi- 

 tion, that arrangements for growing and taking in a crop of Cotton 

 within the tropics, should be those pursued by the American Cotton 



